GM Fuel Pump Settlement: Your Guide to Compensation and Replacement Options

GM has reached a major settlement resolving class action lawsuits alleging defective fuel pumps in millions of its vehicles, paving the way for compensation for owners who experienced failures and paid for costly repairs out of pocket. This settlement covers certain Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles equipped with problematic fuel pumps manufactured by Continental Automotive Systems. If you own or owned one of the included vehicles and paid for related fuel pump repairs or encountered qualifying stalling or no-start issues, you may be entitled to reimbursement or other benefits.

What the GM Fuel Pump Settlement Covers

The legal actions consolidated under this settlement alleged that specific fuel pumps installed in numerous GM vehicles were prone to premature failure. Key aspects addressed include:

• The Alleged Defect: The lawsuits claimed that certain fuel pumps contained a defect causing internal components to deteriorate prematurely. This deterioration could lead to insufficient fuel pressure.
• Potential Consequences: A failing fuel pump could manifest in several critical symptoms, including engine hesitation, sudden loss of power while driving, an inability to start the vehicle, and unexpected stalling – situations posing significant safety risks. Vehicle owners reported instances of stalling occurring at highway speeds or in busy intersections.
• Models and Years: The settlement encompasses a wide range of popular GM trucks and SUVs, primarily from the 2013-2017 model years, but extending into 2018 and 2019 for certain models. Included vehicles are generally those equipped with 6.0L or 6.2L V8 gasoline engines (identified as engines RPO Codes L96, L9H, or L92), or certain 5.3L V8 engines (RPO Code LC8), including, but not limited to:
  • Cadillac Escalade (2015-2017)
  • Cadillac Escalade ESV (2015-2017)
  • Chevrolet Silverado (2014-2018)
  • Chevrolet Suburban (2015-2017)
  • Chevrolet Tahoe (2015-2017)
  • GMC Sierra (2014-2018)
  • GMC Yukon (2015-2017)
  • GMC Yukon XL (2015-2017)
• Recall Connection: This settlement is related to, but distinct from, the massive GM recall (Recall Number N202316510) issued in late 2020 affecting over 625,000 vehicles in the US due to the same fuel pump concerns. The class action settlement addresses claims beyond the recall scope and provides compensation for repairs incurred by owners prior to the recall notice or for vehicles not included in the initial recall waves. Some vehicles covered under this lawsuit settlement were not part of the original N202316510 recall.

Who Qualifies for Settlement Benefits (Settlement Class Members)?

You are likely a member of the settlement class ("Class Member") if you meet these criteria:

• Ownership/Lease: You currently own or lease, or previously owned or leased, one of the specific GM vehicles included in the settlement list.
• Location: The vehicle was bought or leased in the United States or its territories.
• Issues Experienced: You experienced one or more of the following related to the fuel pump (Jet Pump Assembly Module - JPAM):
  • Replacement Cost Reimbursement: You paid out-of-pocket to replace a failed fuel pump (JPAM) on your covered vehicle before receiving notification of the recall (N202316510) for that specific VIN, and you still possess documentation (repair order, receipt) proving the repair and payment. The amount reimbursed will be based on the lesser amount between your actual costs and the amounts outlined in the settlement agreement.
  • Warranty Extension Repairs: For unreimbursed repairs performed at an authorized GM dealership after receiving the recall notice (N202316510) for your VIN but before the dealer performed the final recall remedy, you may be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Residual Value Loss: If you sold or traded your covered vehicle (from the specific model years listed in the settlement) before the recall announcement (November 23, 2020) and can provide proof of ownership during the class period (generally starting from the vehicle's original sale), you might be eligible for a small cash payment recognizing alleged diminished value, though proving individual loss is difficult. The settlement allocates a specific fund for these claims.
  • Recall Repair Delays: If your vehicle was part of recall N202316510 and you experienced a qualifying failure (stalling or no-start condition confirmed to be caused by the defective JPAM by a GM dealer) after scheduling a recall repair appointment but before the repair was actually completed, you may be eligible for compensation for expenses like towing or rentals incurred due to that specific failure. You must provide documentation (towing receipts, rental agreements) clearly linked to the qualifying failure incident.
  • Inconvenience Compensation: If your vehicle was part of recall N202316510 and you experienced a qualifying failure (as above) at any time, you are entitled to a nominal cash payment (likely between $50-$100) simply for having owned an affected vehicle that suffered this failure, upon submitting a claim. Documentation of the repair confirming the JPAM failure is required. Owners who had the recall repair performed without experiencing a failure qualify for a lesser nominal payment ($20-$35).

What Compensation or Benefits Can You Receive?

Depending on your situation as a Class Member, the settlement offers several potential benefits:

• Out-of-Pocket Repair Cost Reimbursement: The primary benefit for many. Submit proof of payment for a qualifying fuel pump repair done before recall notification for your VIN. Reimbursement amounts are capped per the settlement agreement.
• Reimbursement for Recall-Related Towing/Rental Expenses: For towing or rental costs specifically incurred due to a qualifying failure occurring after scheduling but before completing the recall repair.
• Nominal Cash Payments: Two tiers: a smaller amount if your vehicle just had the recall repair performed, or a larger amount if you experienced a documented qualifying failure due to the defective pump. No proof of out-of-pocket costs beyond the repair confirmation is needed for these payments.
• Residual Value Compensation: Small cash payment (fund-dependent) for former owners who sold/traded before the recall announcement.
• Extended Warranty Coverage: A significant outcome of the settlement is an extended warranty specific to the fuel pump (JPAM). For vehicles that received the recall repair (new fuel pump) performed by an authorized GM dealer, the warranty for the replaced JPAM is extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle's original in-service date, whichever occurs first. This extension is crucial for long-term ownership assurance. Note: This warranty extension applies automatically to vehicles that received the recall repair; no claim form is needed for the warranty itself.
• Recall Completion: If your vehicle is included in recall N202316510 and hasn't had the repair done yet, you should receive a final recall notice from GM instructing you to schedule the free repair at a dealership. This remains separate from the settlement claims process but is a direct remedy for the defect.
• Attorney Fees and Costs: The settlement establishes a fund to cover the plaintiffs' legal fees and costs, subject to court approval. This is separate from the compensation funds for Class Members.

Deadlines You MUST Know - Don't Miss Out!

Critical deadlines are mandated by the Court:

• Exclusion Deadline (Opt-Out): If you wish to retain your right to sue GM individually over these fuel pump issues, you MUST formally exclude yourself ("opt out") of the settlement class. This requires mailing a written request (following specific format requirements detailed on the settlement website) postmarked no later than October 27, 2024. If you opt out, you forfeit all settlement benefits.
• Objection Deadline: If you wish to remain a Class Member but disagree with some aspect of the settlement, you may file an objection with the Court explaining your reasons. The deadline to file and serve a written objection is also October 27, 2024.
• Final Approval Hearing: The Court will hold a hearing on December 19, 2024, to decide whether to grant final approval to the settlement. You are generally not required to attend, but you or your attorney may attend if you filed a proper objection.
• Claims Deadline: This is the MOST IMPORTANT deadline for seeking reimbursement or payments. To receive any compensation under categories requiring a claim form (Reimbursement for Pre-Notice Repairs, Reimbursement for Post-Scheduling/Pre-Completion Towing/Rentals, Nominal Payments for Qualifying Failures, Residual Value Loss claims), you MUST submit a completed Claim Form along with supporting documentation no later than February 18, 2025.

How to File a Claim for Reimbursement or Payments

To receive monetary compensation (for applicable categories):

1. Get the Claim Form: Download the official Claim Form from the dedicated settlement website (www.GMFuelPumpSettlement.com). This is the most reliable source.
2. Gather Documentation: Carefully review the Claim Form for the specific documentation required for your claim type. This may include:
   • Proof of Ownership/Lease (e.g., registration, lease agreement, title during claim period).
   • Repair Order/Receipts: Detailed repair orders showing parts replaced (must specify the fuel pump/JPAM), labor performed, date of repair, mileage, and proof you paid (credit card receipt, cancelled check, statement showing payment).
   • Recall Notice: Proof you received the recall notice (N202316510) after your repair date (for Pre-Notice Reimbursement claims).
   • Towing/Rental Receipts: For Reimbursement claims related to delays in recall repair completion.
3. Complete the Form Accurately: Fill out all sections of the Claim Form thoroughly and accurately. Missing or incorrect information can delay or disqualify your claim.
4. Submit by the Deadline: Mail the completed Claim Form and legible copies (NOT originals) of all required supporting documentation to the Claims Administrator at the address provided on the form and website. Ensure it is postmarked on or before February 18, 2025. Online submission options might be available – check the settlement website.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: My vehicle is on the list, but I never had a problem. Do I get anything?
  A: If your vehicle did not have the recall repair performed, and you didn't experience a qualifying failure, you generally are not eligible for monetary payments under this settlement. However, if your vehicle is part of the underlying recall (N202316510) and hasn't been repaired, you should still get the repair done for free at a GM dealer.
• Q: I had the recall repair done and no failure. What do I get?
  A: You benefit from the 15-year/150,000-mile warranty extension on the newly replaced fuel pump. You do not need to file a claim for the warranty. You may be eligible for the smaller nominal payment ($20-$35) only if you file a Claim Form and provide documentation proving the recall repair was completed.
• Q: I paid for a fuel pump repair at an independent shop 2 years ago. Can I get reimbursed?
  A: Potentially Yes. If the repair happened before you received the official recall notice (N202316510) for your specific VIN, and you have the detailed repair receipt showing you paid for the fuel pump (JPAM) replacement, you should submit a Claim Form for Out-of-Pocket Repair Reimbursement before Feb 18, 2025.
• Q: Is GM admitting wrongdoing through this settlement?
  A: No. The settlement agreement explicitly states that GM denies all allegations of wrongdoing and liability. The settlement is a compromise to avoid the costs, risks, and delays of continuing the litigation.
• Q: How much money will I get?
  A: Reimbursement amounts are based on your actual proven costs, subject to the caps and formulas in the settlement (e.g., reimbursements are typically calculated based on either paid receipts or a pre-set "Cost Matrix" minus any prior reimbursements). Nominal payments ($20-$35 for recall repair only; $50-$100 for documented failure + repair) are fixed amounts based on claim type. Residual Value payments are a small fixed sum from a limited fund. Actual amounts depend on the total number and type of valid claims filed.
• Q: Where can I get more information?
  A: The official settlement website is the definitive source: www.GMFuelPumpSettlement.com. It contains the full settlement agreement, detailed notices, Claim Forms, FAQs, vehicle lists, key dates, and contact information for the Claims Administrator. You can also call the toll-free number listed on the website.

Take Action Now If You Owned or Own an Affected Vehicle

The GM Fuel Pump Settlement provides a significant opportunity for compensation and extended warranty protection for owners of millions of GM trucks and SUVs known to be equipped with potentially defective fuel pumps. The critical step is determining if your vehicle is included and whether you qualify for any benefits requiring a claim. Carefully review the official settlement website and the list of included vehicles and model years.

If you experienced symptoms like stalling, loss of power, or no-starts potentially linked to the fuel pump and paid for repairs before being notified of the recall, gathering your repair documentation and filing a claim before the February 18, 2025, deadline is essential to seek reimbursement. Even if "only" your fuel pump was replaced under the recall, understanding your extended warranty coverage (15 years/150,000 miles) provides valuable peace of mind for the future ownership of your vehicle. Don't miss the deadlines to potentially recover costs or secure the warranty benefit – visit the settlement website or call the administrator today.